I listened to the audiobook version of The Introvert Advantage while commuting, and while I did listen to the entire thing, I don't think I would have done more than skim through the book had I been reading it. Laney makes introversion sounds like itI listened to the audiobook version of The Introvert Advantage while commuting, and while I did listen to the entire thing, I don't think I would have done more than skim through the book had I been reading it. Laney makes introversion sounds like it is some sort of combination of a sensory processing disorder and a social anxiety disorder.

While she does specify that introversion isn't these things and does go out of her way to tell everyone that there's no shame in being an introvert, the book focuses so much on "coping with your introversion" that introversion comes off sounding like some sort of disease. Laney repeatedly talks about how introverts have lower energy, need more breaks, and do fewer things than extroverts, and there's a section on coming to terms with doing less than an extrovert might do. It's not like I'm just in a coma when I'm doing things by myself; and even if I were meditating all day, I could accomplish a lot doing that. Though Laney points out that lots of introverts have done amazing things and drills into your head that extroversion isn't psychologically healthier than introversion, she makes it sound like extroverts can just function better, make friends without effort, and leap tall buildings in a single bound. I've never really wanted to be an extrovert, but Laney made it sound pretty good.

Introverts who, perhaps like Laney's patients, have been intensely shamed for their temperament or who just really don't know how to function as an introvert might benefit from this book, but I don't think I would recommend it to anyone else.

The beginning of the book focuses on what an introvert is and isn't and how introverted vs. extroverted brain processes work. After that, the book is more or less about coping with the overstimulation. In fairness, I have felt overstimulated at times, but that may come from anxiety, not introversion. And it's not super hard for me to deal with.

There are lots of tips on things like how to make small talk, leave parties politely, take breaks, and keep busy taking pictures or helping out at parties, but the tips were focused more or less on how to avoid situations that are draining. I like parties; I just don't like to party all the time. I'm good at leaving parties and putting up with small talk. What I wanted to know was how to better take things from small talk to friendship under conditions that aren't my forte so that I can have the friendships I want without having to associate with someone under consistent circumstances for six months. There was just a ton of information about the importance of breaks and conserving energy.

According to Laney's book, I am "pretty darn introverted," and I find that I have plenty of energy to be myself; I just am not an extrovert. I love aromatherapy, but I don't really think tips on using it are the most helpful pieces of information when it comes to harnessing my strengths as an introvert.

There are also a lot of generalizations. Laney talks about how there is a spectrum of introversion and extroversion, and to some degree there have to be generalizations in a book of this sort, but Laney makes it sound like everything resolves around introversion and extroversion. For example, there are generalizations about extroverts being comfortable at parties full of people they don't know, and I know from extroverted friends and family members that extroverts are not necessarily comfortable making new friends. At one point, Laney recommends that introverts make sure to avoid overstimulation by taking sunscreen, umbrellas, and/or wide-brimmed hats on outings for sun protection because "many introverts have sensitive skin." I'm sure that is true, but I also think that many extroverts have sensitive skin, and I doubt that introversion is the primary determinant of how sensitive skin is. Extroverts should get to avoid skin cancer too.

I'm glad to have spent enough time thinking about being an introvert that I can be a little more mindful of how my energy levels are doing, but that's probably the greatest benefit I got from listening to this book. The information itself is about coping with introversion and not about discovering and using "introverted" strengths....more

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Dear Readers, As part of my work with UN Women, I have started reading as many books and essays about equality as I can get my hands on. There is so mDear Readers,
As part of my work with UN Women, I have started reading as many books and essays about equality as I can get my hands on. There is so much amazing stuff out there! Funny, inspiring, sad, thought-provoking, empowering! I’ve been discovering so much that, at times, I’ve felt like my head was about to explode… I decided to start a Feminist book club, as I want to share what I’m learning and hear your thoughts too.
The plan is to select and read a book every two months, then discuss the work and related topics together. I will post some questions/quotes to get things started, but I would love for this to grow into an open discussion with and between you all. Whenever possible I hope to have the author, or another prominent voice on the subject, join the conversation.
If you fancy it, please join up and participate. Everyone is welcome. I would be honoured!
Emma x...more